Football 4s a big success yet again at Tynecastle

Tuesday 19 May 2015

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, teams of young footballers and their families have once again come together in Tynecastle Stadium to celebrate grass roots football and promote safer and healthier communities.

Supported by Network Rail, the Football 4s festival hosts a series of mini tournaments for six and seven-year-olds and is delivered in partnership with Heart of Midlothian FC and the Scottish FA.

Attracting over 100 players from 17 different clubs across Edinburgh, the Lothian's and the Scottish Borders, the event brings together some of the communities that will be served by the Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP).

In addition to raising awareness of the dangers of railway misuse, this year’s event also emphasised the role that sport and an active lifestyle can play in promoting positive mental health in advance of Mental Health Awareness week (11-17 May).

Representatives from partner organisation Breathing Space provided advice and information to spectators and highlighted the benefits of being involved in competitive games, coaching or new local initiatives such as walking football for those over 50.

Senior communications manager, Communities Engagement, Mark Henderson said: “The Football 4s Festival was once again a great success that reinforces our commitment to continue to support community-led groups and organisations.

“This event is about more than football - it’s about participation and inclusion - and in addition to highlighting the diversionary role that sport and other hobbies can play at times synonymous with rail crime, alongside Breathing Space we have reinforced our pledge to end the stigma associated with metal ill health.”

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space/ Living Life national coordinator said: "Football has excellent positive effects, not only on physical health but also on mental health and wellbeing. Working with Network Rail to promote these benefits to the community has been a great opportunity and a great way to engage with young people through sport."

Alan White, Scottish FA community coach for Hearts said: “On behalf of everyone involved with community football at Heart of Midlothian Football Club we would once again like to thank Network Rail for its fantastic support of our football 4s festival initiative.”